Women’s rugby team trains for World Cup qualifiers

The Cayman Islands national Women’s 7s team traveled to Florida recently to compete in the Surfin’ 7s tournament in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers in Trinidad in November.

The side were placed in the elite division of the tournament and initially played against a strong Orlando side, the eventual winners of the competition. Despite starting slowly and trailing 14-0 at halftime, the team were able to develop their defensive structure and game pattern throughout the game, conceding just once in the second half despite defending for the majority of the half.

In the second game against Fort Miami, Cayman was able to demonstrate their own attacking skills, with back line players breaking the line consistently and forwards setting a stable base through dominance in the scrum. Tries from Lisa Kemp and Quincy Clark came from strong running and support in attack, both converted by Annie Rankine.

Shenel Gall breaks through the defense.

Cayman continued improve in all areas of play moving into the game against Phoenix. Forwards and backs moved the ball into space, and two tries apiece from Lisa Kemp and captain Shenel Gall saw Cayman secure a 24-7 win.

A final playoff followed shortly after, again against Phoenix, but the squad were not able to repeat their winning performance. Tries from Marline Williams and Shenel Gall forced the game into overtime before a break against a disjointed Cayman defense saw Phoenix take the victory.